Toyota Material Handling Europe launches silent version of its popular BT Lifter hand pallet truck
Toyota Material Handing Europe (TMHE) has introduced a quieter version of its highly successful BT Lifter hand pallet truck.
The new BT Lifter Silent LHM230SI is designed to meet the growing demand from industry and government for quieter materials handling solutions. Quieter equipment is especially important in after-hours delivery and restocking operations, particularly those involving shops located in residential areas.
In today’s fast-moving, ’24-hour’ business environment, more businesses are scheduling deliveries outside of regular business hours. Doing this minimises the disruption to shopping activities, as well reducing traffic jams and travel times – thus cutting fuel consumption and lowering emissions.
With noise levels that do not exceed 60 decibels (dBA), the BT Lifter Silent can move loads up to 2300 kg while generating no more noise than two people speaking in a normal tone of voice. The reduced noise levels also make using the truck a more pleasant experience for operators.
In line with TMHE’s commitment to provide environmentally conscious products, the BT Lifter Silent was developed in coordination with the PEAK programme in the Netherlands. An initiative of several Dutch government agencies, the PEAK programme works in the Netherlands and abroad to find solutions that reduce the amount of noise associated with the movement of goods.
Robert Goevaers, PEAK programme project leader, Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs said: “The BT Lifter Silent is a big step forward when you compare it to traditional hand pallet trucks. The creation of the BT Lifter Silent is perhaps one of the PEAK programme’s biggest accomplishments in terms of noise reduction. It shows that it is possible to achieve excellent performance while still providing businesses with highly productive, cost-effective solutions.”
Through the PEAK programme, the BT Lifter Silent has received certification that it conforms with the strict requirements of the Dutch “Decree Retail Trade Environmental Protection,” which limits the noise generated from unloading operations to 65 dBA from 19.00 – 23.00 hours, and 60 dBA from 23.00 – 07.00. The PEAK certification standards apply to the maximum or “peak” noise that the trucks can generate, while actual noise levels may be much lower than the certified level.
While being 30 percent quieter than standard pallet trucks, the BT Lifter Silent delivers the same toughness and reliability that have made BT Lifters the industry standard for pallet trucks for more than six decades, with more than 2.7 million units sold worldwide.
Several modifications have been made to the new model to achieve these substantial noise reductions. Rubber steer wheels and Powerthane bogie wheels deliver a smooth, quiet ride, while special shock-absorbing material on the frame further reduces noise from vibrations.
All of these measures help to reduce the amount of noise generated when the pallet truck moves over uneven surfaces – such as corrugated steel platforms at the backs of lorries – and when the forks are bumped against the ground, pallet walls and cargo.
“The development of the BT Lifter Silent is part of our ongoing commitment to deliver practical, high-quality products that meet today’s business requirements while respecting the need for a good living environment,” said Sven Wirenhammar, Vice President, Manager Division Hand Trucks.
“The BT Lifter Silent is just the latest in a long history of quality BT products. Our research engineers have carefully developed the best design for this new truck in order to confirm with strict noise requirements while still delivering the same quality and robustness that customers expect from the BT Lifter family of products,” Sven Wirenhammar said.
Like all of BT Lifter models, the new model comes with a unique lifetime (99-year) guarantee on the fork frame. The pump unit and tow bar are guaranteed for five years. All BT Lifters feature ergonomically designed handgrips that provide a natural hand position. The handgrips feature a special polymer construction that is never too hot or too cold, regardless of the surrounding temperature.
The BT Lifter Silent is available in Quick Lift and Overload models. A certified silent model of the BT Orion LWE200 powered pallet truck is also available as a Special Request modification.
